The Proper Way To Use Eye Drops

When you are diagnosed with an eye problem, you are usually prescribed eye drops

. Depending on the condition you have, you can get drops that contain lubricants, artificial tears, antihistamines, or antibiotics. Most of these products can be purchased without a need for a prescription; you can buy through the Internet or from supermarkets and pharmacies. Purchasing is not a problem for anybody; however, many of us do not seem to know how to apply drops correctly and as a result, optimum efficacy is not achieved.

Before going any further, let us first take a closer look at our eyes and get a better understanding of their functions. The eye is the most utilised organ of the body; it is an incredibly complex structure that works with the neurons, blood vessels, muscles, and the brain. When the eyes become irritated, it could be because of many causes. Pain, itchiness, redness, blurring of vision, and swelling are common occurrences for many people and treatment would vary, depending on what caused the problem. However, many eye conditions can be treated with the use of either medicated or lubricated drops. If you are using one, or planning to buy one, here are some points to remember when applying drops into your eyes.

Make sure your hands are clean before you get started. Drops are sterile, but as soon as they are opened, the bottle could easily accumulate bacteria and germs inside it if the user is not careful. With clean hands, stand or sit in front of a mirror, and remove the cap of the container (drops). Tilt your head backwards and with the use of your middle finger, gently pull your lower eyelid. When holding the dropper, make sure to hold it with your free hand. Do not let the dropper touch your eye to avoid irritation. Once done, close your eye for at least 6 seconds. Then, repeat the same process for the other eye, if needed.

There are times when you will be prescribed two or more drops. Do not apply them together. Wait for ten minutes between applications to make sure that absorption is achieved for each medication.

When storing eye drops, make sure you keep them in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Close the lid tightly to prevent bacteria from entering the bottle. A very important thing to remember is that if there is someone else in your household having eye problems, it is best not to share your drops with this person because you may have different conditions entirely, and also, this is for sanitary purposes as well. Moreover, if you happen to be wearing contacts, it is best to remove them every time you apply the drops, and let it sit for about fifteen minutes before you put your contact lens back.

Depending on the drug content and the manufacturer, most drops should be thrown away after four weeks from the time they were opened. If, after some time, your eye problem still persists, you may opt to purchase a new bottle or you may visit your doctor for a further check up.

by: Lawrence White

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